Dressed in a striking iridescent orange, David Byrne and his 12-piece backing band appeared ready to ignite the stage at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The former Talking Heads frontman, known for his kinetic energy, performed on a vast, empty stage devoid of the usual live performance anchors like amplifiers and microphones. This setup allowed the audience to focus entirely on the music and the message.
The show, reminiscent of Byrne’s legendary Stop Making Sense tour of 1984, unfolded gradually. It began with “Heaven” from Talking Heads’ 1979 album Fear of Music, a song that retains its existential power. Byrne, now 73, passionately emphasized the importance of the present, projecting an image of Earth as “the only planet we’ve got” on the backdrop.
Innovative Performance and Visual Storytelling
Byrne was joined by core band members Ray Suen on violin, Kely Pinheiro on cello, and Daniel Mintseris on synthesizer, each contributing to the show’s dynamic energy. Additional musicians joined, transforming the ensemble into a mobile, marching band-like troupe. This setup allowed for continuous motion, with video screens displaying diverse settings—from empty department stores to cornfields—enhancing the visual storytelling.
The band’s diversity was a central theme of the evening. Byrne rhetorically questioned the audience, “What if we all judged people by their appearances?” This prompted an immediate, humorous response from the crowd, highlighting the deceptive nature of appearances. Byrne’s commentary on punk’s evolution into a movement of love and kindness contrasted sharply with the current political climate, as exemplified by Stephen Miller’s assertion of a world “governed by strength, force, and power.”
Hope, Humanity, and Vulnerability
Despite the political undertones, Byrne’s performance was infused with hope and humanity. His vulnerability shone through on “My Apartment Is My Friend” from his new album Who Is the Sky?, where he shared a virtual tour of his New York City apartment, a place of personal highs and lows. Byrne admitted to living alone, a sentiment that resonated with many.
In another solo piece, “T-shirt,” Byrne humorously critiqued identity politics through pointed slogans like “Make America Gay Again” and “Everyone Watches Women’s Sports,” eliciting cheers and laughter. These solo performances seamlessly integrated into the show, maintaining its superb pacing and choreography.
Revisiting Classics and Unveiling New Grooves
The audience eagerly anticipated the classic Talking Heads hits, and Byrne delivered with aplomb. “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” was the first to bring fans to their feet. Kely Pinheiro stood out, her cello playing a pivotal role, especially during “Houses in Motion” and “Psycho Killer,” where she added a fresh, harder groove.
The most intense moment came with “Life During Wartime,” a song that remains eerily relevant. As Byrne sang, “The sound of gunfire off in the distance / I’m getting used to it now,” images of ICE squads and New York City cops clashing with protesters played behind him. It was a stark reminder of the current socio-political tensions.
The Grand Finale: A Spectacular Conclusion
As the show drew to a close, “Burning Down the House” served as the explosive finale. The performance was a reminder of the fragility of the American dream, urging the audience to remain vigilant. Byrne’s show was not just a concert but a powerful commentary on society, wrapped in an electrifying musical experience.
David Byrne’s performance was a masterclass in blending music with meaningful messages, leaving the audience with much to ponder long after the final note had faded.
